Helmet life span?

[Shampue]

I have a really nice Bieffe full face helmet I unpacked from a box last night. Forgot all about it. Helmet is about 12 years old. Never hit the ground.

I've heard from folks that the foam used in helmets starts to break down and you only get about 5 good years out of them before you should replace the helmet. Any thoughts to this?

[JACKAL]

I'd just put it on a shelf and admire it from there. Even the cheapest replacement helmet today will be technologically better than a 12 year old one. I'm sure after all that time some deterioration has happened as well, even if you can't see it. Just my 2 cents.

[JBLUE]

time for a new helmet I would not trust your helmet in a crash

[Zepp]

I wouldn't use that helmet either.

[kain101]

i would recommend a new one. try not to use it after 3yrs or so

[Zepp]

It's only good for a few years and/or one drop or fall.

12 years is just too old. The helmets today are a lot nicer and lighter as well as cool a lot better than the old stuff

[Xanthinic12]

you could always use it to ride a 50, but i'd recoomend i new helmet aswell

[Quickling]

I think 5 years would be a little too short, I have a helmet that is 5 and is in great shape.

But you can always talk to a dealer or email a helmet manufacturer to see what they recommend for helmet lifespan.

[Londob5]

You can get a cheap one from newenough.com

Why risk your head in a crash on a helmet that may no longer be fully functional?

[celticages]

Every three years dude...The EPS foam begins to break down. Time, cleaners, environmental factors, drops, bumps, kids, all play a role in the longevity of a helmet so be safe and get a new helmet every three years whether you think you need it or not. A nice HJC CL-15 costs less than $100 on e-bay. Buy one...

[Shampue]

Guys.... I have a helmet I wear.... Its not like I am wearing this one...

Thanks for all the advice, I was looking for a lifespan, not "should I still be wearing this helmet"

Like I said.. I dug it out, was wondering if it was still safe. Now I know

[thetable]

I would normally say no, but if it was sitting in a box, that means minimal air and ozone exposure, no UV exposure, Hell, I would say it is good to go, but what do I know. I do have the distinct feeling that the first time you put it on all the foam padding bits are going to desintegrate, then you will spend the next couple days trying to get it all out of your hair.